US-Houthi Talks Raise Questions Over Saudi Arabia’s Fight in Yemen

Saudi Arabia is facing renewed pressure from the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen as reports suggest Washington and the group have held direct talks over Red Sea shipping. The reported discussions could leave Riyadh with fewer options as it confronts Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked targets.

The Houthis recently launched an offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, capturing territory and islands near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The group has also continued using drones and missiles against Saudi targets, including an incident that triggered civil-defence alerts near Mecca.

Saudi-backed forces have struggled to contain the offensive, while Pakistan and Turkey have ruled out combat operations in Yemen. The US and UK have also declined requests for new strikes against Houthi positions.

Reports said US officials met Houthi representatives in Muscat, Oman, over the weekend. The discussions were reportedly mediated by Oman and included senior Houthi figures. The group is said to have assured Washington that it would not target US vessels and would respect the existing US-Houthi ceasefire, while continuing attacks against Saudi-linked shipping.

US Vice President JD Vance has confirmed that Washington has been holding direct conversations with the Houthis, although neither side has officially announced a new agreement.

A former US diplomat described the situation as a possible tacit understanding in which American and international shipping could remain unaffected while Saudi-linked vessels face continued risks. The reports remain unconfirmed as a formal deal.

For Saudi Arabia, the development comes as its military campaign and allied forces have struggled to reverse Houthi gains. With several partners reluctant to intervene directly, Riyadh may have to manage the renewed confrontation with limited external military support.